This year’s theme is Planet versus Plastic, highlighting the impact single-use plastics have on our environment and demanding a 60% reduction in the production of ALL plastics by 2040. 

Each year over 400 million tons of plastic are produced worldwide, 8 million metric tons of which end up in the ocean.

To put into context, there are 500 times more microplastic particles in the ocean than there are stars in our galaxy.

Every bit of plastic ever made still exists today and will continue to exist for another 500 years at least.* 

Last year, Thalia Waste Management recovered and recycled over 10,300 tons of plastic from our sites that otherwise would have been landfilled.   

We are also working with fantastic partners such as RECOUP – a leading charity and authority on plastics resource efficiency. Head over to find out more about RECOUP on their website: www.recoup.org  

There are lots of simple steps we can all take as individuals to care and protect our planet.   

• Say no to plastic straws when you are buying a drink – or take your own reusable one  
• Bring your own reusable bag shopping. Plastic bags are made from non-renewable fossil fuels.  
• Reusable bottles and mugs help avoid using disposable cups or plastic bottled water   
• Reduce, reuse, repair and recycle  
• Save energy at home – switch off lights if you aren’t in the room  
• Buy local and support your community. Locally bought products, especially food, tend to have less plastic packaging and have travelled less air miles so have a lower carbon footprint  
• Ditch the car and walk, cycle or take public transport to reduce our carbon footprint 

 Although it’s important to mark it, let’s try and make every day an Earth Day. 

*Figures courtesy of www.earthday.org